Rare blank from Dockers in their bid for Division Three title

NEWHAVEN failed to score for only the second time this season as they were held to a goalless draw by Broadbridge Heath.

The Dockers are now five points clear of Saltdean United, who didn’t play at the weekend. The Tigers still have a game in hand on Newhaven despite tonight (Tuesday), at home to Forest, so this Easter Monday’s clash between the two sides (at Saltdean’s Hill Park venue, kick off 11am) is sure to be a tasty encounter.

Newhaven made four changes from the team that beat Rottingdean the previous Tuesday night. Lee Robinson returned to the starting line-up and there was also a recall for Dave Altendorff. Sean Breach (returning from injury) and Gary Holmes started in midfield, alongside Altendorff. Jordan Cole, Luke Duchossoy and Mark Probert were all dropped to the bench and Kerry Mayo was unavailable due to work.

Chances were few and far between on what was a hard, dry surface. Robinson hit a shot against the legs of Micky Woods and at the other end Jamal Sultan tested Graham Leach with a strike from outside the box.

Tyler Goatcher had a shot saved by Woods, who in making the save injured his arm. Despite playing on for a little while Heath eventually replaced Woods with right back Harry Balfour.

The second half was much the same as the first. The disappointment for Newhaven was that they didn’t test Balfour nearly enough.

Ryan Knight hit a 20-yard free-kick that was straight at Balfour and the replacement goalkeeper held on. Late in the game a long, high ball in to the box was nearly met by Robinson but Balfour managed to get hold of the ball after a slight fumble.

The game remained scoreless and both teams had to settle for a point in their respective quests for promotion.

Newhaven FC would like to pass on their best wishes to the two Broadbridge Heath players that had to visit hospital after the game. Damian Francis was suffering from concussion and Woods will need an operation on the arm injury he picked up in the first half.

Next up for the Dockers is the Division Three Challenge Cup Final against Ifield Edwards. The game takes place at Middle Road, Shoreham on Good Friday (6th April) and kicks off at 3pm.